kai on food emporium

I was deeply touched by your attitude towards the poor Bronx-girl that had to work throughout that dreadful Tuesday at the Food Emporium. I couldn't agree more: she was as much an emergency worker as those who were giving blood or helping out at the hospital for example. But the tragic thing is, that except for a few good souls (you among them :o) ), hardly anyone will have noticed. Had anyone given her a hug, a simple "Thank you for being there"? Most likely not. And do you believe that her employer did anything to get her home safely that night? And here comes my point in favour of the two markets I love so much. Although you might feel that those luxury "fixtures of community" carelessly betrayed their immediate neighborhood, couldn't this as well be seen as a caring attitude towards their employees? By closing at noon the employees had the chance to return to their families, to be with the beloved ones in those hours of complete darkness. The Food Emporium did not grant its underpaid employees these privileges. They had to work for money's sake, no matter if the world outside was facing the apocalypse or not. Noone would have starved in Manhatten if the FE had closed at noon just like Balducci's and Jefferson Market, but the decision was to stay open and earn money - or to serve the community? I have my doubts ... Well, just a few thoughts to share from a Libra who can't help balancing things (and who still has his Balducci's apron on display in his kitchen... 8^) )

Love, love, love

Kai


	I was deeply touched by your attitude towards the poor Bronx-girl that had to work throughout that dreadful Tuesday at the Food Emporium. I couldn't agree more: she was as much an emergency worker as those who were giving blood or helping out at the hospital for example. But the tragic thing is, that except for a few good souls (you among them :o) ), hardly anyone will have noticed. Had anyone given her a hug, a simple "Thank you for being there"? Most likely not. And do you believe that her employer did anything to get her home safely that night? And here comes my point in favour of the two markets I love so much. Although you might feel that those luxury "fixtures of community" carelessly betrayed their immediate neighborhood, couldn't this as well be seen as a caring attitude towards their employees? By closing at noon the employees had the chance to return to their families, to be with the beloved ones in those hours of complete darkness. The Food Emporium did not grant its underpaid employees these privileges. They had to work for money's sake, no matter if the world outside was facing the apocalypse or not. Noone would have starved in Manhatten if the FE had closed at noon just like Balducci's and Jefferson Market, but the decision was to stay open and earn money - or to serve the community? I have my doubts ... Well, just a few thoughts to share from a Libra who can't help balancing things (and who still has his Balducci's apron on display in his kitchen... 8^) ) Love, love, love Kai
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